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Call them "the dogs of war." Happy and goofy labs, setters and more are helping veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan deal with the difficult transition to life at home.

But the problem is, there aren't nearly enough of them.

Returning soldiers diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or post-traumatic stress (PTS) often suffer from paranoia, hallucinations, or violent episodes depending on the nature of their injuries. Some research shows service dogs can reduce those symptoms by up to 86 percent.

"Dogs trained to deal with PTS and TBI are taught to prevent strangers from coming too close. By positioning themselves in front of their partners, they prevent people from getting into their personal space," said Amee Gilbert of Canines and Heroes for Independence. "Dogs are often trained to watch. This takes the place of the soldier having to watch his back which is a common urge that many combat veterans share."

The dogs also provide reality checks for visual and auditory hallucinations. A veteran recently reported that while spending a quiet evening at home, he suddenly felt a strange person standing close to him. He looked down at his dog who was asleep at his feet and realized that no one could possibly be there without the dog reacting, according to Gilbert.

“We return from war but our minds do not,” Marine veteran Evan John wrote when he was asked why he wanted a service dog. Evan was recently matched with a dog that wakes him from his nightmares and nudges him when he is having a panic attack to remind him to relax.

Canines and Heroes for Independence, along with Brigadoon Youth & Service Dog Programs are holding a fundraiser Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Great American Casino in Lakewood. Their goal is to raise $200,000 this year, enabling them to match 10 veterans/service members with a service dog specifically trained to their needs, free of charge.

"We believe that the sacrifices they have made are enough. It is our goal to minimize the stress they endure everyday and to help them become independent," said Gilbert.

A service dog provides enormous relief to those who especially need them. I have one , and know first hand experience how important it is to have a service dog . Not only to Vetrans , but to all who need them , and have them.

__________________"No matter how little money & how few possessions, you own, having a dog makes you rich."

I work at one of the military Brigs (prisons) which train these dogs and I must say the are amazing. The training is great, these dogs do everything from pulling the pillow from under your head when your alarm clock goes off to putting clothes in the wash and turning it on. The first training that I witness I was so amazed. These dogs are trained to do everything as well as tailored to fit it's owner and the owner goes through training to ensure they are using the commands that the dogs have learned over the years...
A program that is great!!

Call them "the dogs of war." Happy and goofy labs, setters and more are helping veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan deal with the difficult transition to life at home.

But the problem is, there aren't nearly enough of them.

Returning soldiers diagnosed with traumatic brain injuries (TBI) or post-traumatic stress (PTS) often suffer from paranoia, hallucinations, or violent episodes depending on the nature of their injuries. Some research shows service dogs can reduce those symptoms by up to 86 percent.

"Dogs trained to deal with PTS and TBI are taught to prevent strangers from coming too close. By positioning themselves in front of their partners, they prevent people from getting into their personal space," said Amee Gilbert of Canines and Heroes for Independence. "Dogs are often trained to watch. This takes the place of the soldier having to watch his back which is a common urge that many combat veterans share."

The dogs also provide reality checks for visual and auditory hallucinations. A veteran recently reported that while spending a quiet evening at home, he suddenly felt a strange person standing close to him. He looked down at his dog who was asleep at his feet and realized that no one could possibly be there without the dog reacting, according to Gilbert.

“We return from war but our minds do not,” Marine veteran Evan John wrote when he was asked why he wanted a service dog. Evan was recently matched with a dog that wakes him from his nightmares and nudges him when he is having a panic attack to remind him to relax.

Canines and Heroes for Independence, along with Brigadoon Youth & Service Dog Programs are holding a fundraiser Thursday from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at the Great American Casino in Lakewood. Their goal is to raise $200,000 this year, enabling them to match 10 veterans/service members with a service dog specifically trained to their needs, free of charge.

"We believe that the sacrifices they have made are enough. It is our goal to minimize the stress they endure everyday and to help them become independent," said Gilbert.

The organization where I got my first and second service canines in the Bay area of Ca. , started a program to provide service dogs for veterans who are returning from war zones in Afghanistan and Iraq. It is a great program and a person can be independent in having one of these special canines.